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31 January, 2010

My Winter Porch...A Burlap Wreath and Lanterns

A winter wreath has always been a puzzle to me. Ideas for autumn and Christmas wreaths are easy and obvious. So are spring and summer…but winter? Then I came across the idea of a burlap wreath and I knew my problem was solved! This is my version...adding check and toile ribbons, with my guest bedroom decor still fresh on my mind. I love the look and the texture of the frayed fabric! And it was really easy!

It is simply strips of burlap threaded on a coat hanger bent to form a circle…that’s all! Here, I would have to add a few notes. I used two yards of burlap cut into 4 inch strips. However, it seemed that the weight of the fabric pulled it to the bottom of the coat hanger circle to the point that I know my neighbors were wondering what I had hanging on my door! lol Soooo…I took it down, spaced the fabric and hot glued it to the hanger every few inches…problem solved! I also added some keys…more about that later.

I also wanted to use lanterns on my winter porch, so I headed out in search of some larger ones to beef up my collection. I stumbled on these unusual lanterns at Marshalls...recognize them? They were featured in that gorgeous house in the movie It’s Complicated. However, I left these for another lantern lover, since they are a little too Asian for me.

This is more my style. You might remember these... my Pottery Barn copy cat lanterns that I featured on my autumn porch…

…and then decorated for Christmas with candy cane stripes and cranberries. Sooo...I was jumping up and down when I found ....

...these big chunky lanterns! I decided to take a cue from my wreath and add strips of burlap…the more frayed, the better…along with a little toile ribbon and a couple of keys. I placed these on one side of my front door…

…and these on the other, using more burlap and checked ribbon with another key.

I found the keys at Hobby Lobby...with five different antique-style keys on a ring. They are frequently on sale and I keep going back for more, since I have used them in both my vintage tag and framed key projects as well. They add a little extra layer of interest for me. The checked ribbon came from Michaels and the toile from Hobby Lobby.

So finally…here it is…my winter porch. As you can see, my porch is small and doesn’t lend itself to anything very elaborate. I think I like the simple wintery starkness for a change. What do you think?
And in case you are wondering why my blinds are up…it’s for my staff! lol You cannot see her furry little face, but our CEO Ozzie was busy supervising this entire photo shoot! Thanks so much for stopping by! Please head on over to visit these wonderful blogs to see what everyone has going on!
Mary atLittle Red House for Mosaic Monday
Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Kimba at A Soft Place to Land for DIY Day
Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick for the Before and After Party
Layla at The Lettered Cottage for A Few of My Favorite Tutorials 2010.
This will be fun! I can’t wait to see what everyone has going on! See you next time! A la prochaine!

80 comments:

Debbie, good morning. YOur lanterns are just perfect. I love the keys, burlap and the wonderful ribbons. You do always find the best ribbons. Your wreath turned out gorgeous. I love it all. Hugs, Marty

Debbie, I love your porch, the wreath is very pretty and the extra touches of ribbon and keys makes the wreath say Debbie lives here. I am going to try that idea. The lanterns I love.I keep the blinds up behind my couch during the day so my fur babies can lay and look out. Isn't it funny the small things we do to make them happy. Stay warm, there is about 6 inches of snow on my front deck, my 4-legged girls love it but will only stay out for a short time, they don't like for their feet to be cold, LOL!!! Patricia

This came out beautifully Debbie! The wreath is such a great idea. I love the ribbon, and the lanterns are perfect. I laughed because I knew exactly why your blinds were up! Hope you're staying warm. Hugs, Kat

Oh that black and white ribbon is stunning against the burlap! I am toying with the idea of a burlap tablecloth for a garden party this summer...maybe some stencils on it. I love your lanterns..the black is so dramatic...beautiful post!

Hi Debbie, I love that wreath you made with the burlap and those keys are the perfect finishing touch. I love lanterns, I have several throughout my home. Just can't have too many. Come by for a visit. I posted my first post yesterday and am so excited to be joining in on the fun...Kim

Adore the burlap wreath - will have to check out the tutorial - I have two huge pieces of burlap, the color you have and a deep chocolate one.Now, I wish you or someone would do a very detailed tutorial on how to make those big wonderful bows!!!Kathleen makes great ones too...I'm challenged when it comes to bows!Love the total look of the front porch - great job!!

Debbie, love the burlap wreath! You really jazzed it up! And the lanterns are just gorgeous. I think you need to write a book "Debbie's Crafty Treasures" - or "How to Make Anything Fabulous". Woohoo! Linda

Thanks for the wreath idea. I love it. We are planning my daughter's April wedding, and that would look great on the door at the wedding. She is doing kind of a rustic chic style with burlap runners on the tables, and everything mismatched.

Me again. I looked at the tutorial and I have a question (couldn't find your email address). When you are finished, what do you do with the 2 ends of wire?? Twist them together? Would just like to know before I get to that part and go, "Duh..." ;-)

GREAT JOB DEBBIE! I saw that tutorial and was thinking of giving it a try myself. Well now I have more inspiration! Your right too, winter wreaths are hard to figure. Love the lanterns too, you are so creative! Hugs, Cindy

wow Debbie I love your lanterns and of course you know I love the black and white checks with the burlap....such a great job, I am happy the kitties liked the kitty dishes....For the Tablescape Thursday I am doing a country french breakfast, and i know you are all about french, please let me know what you think, it was hard having never been to France...But I know you'll know...Phyllis

Deb, I love,love,love this on your porch. It looks amazing!! What a fun touch for the winter and I really like the addition of the keys. It is darling,you are on clever lady, I am impressed. I am sure we will be seeing more of these great wreaths around blog land, Hugs Kathysue

Debbie, you just amaze me! You can find the best ideas and add your special touch and come out with the perfect addition to your home. Your wreath is beautiful!!! Love the lanterns and the whole effect is perfect. It always is. Have a great week.Sharon

Wow! Love your wreath Debbie! Um, can you teach me to make a bow like that? And I think I need to run for some toile ribbon. Perfect! I also love the lanterns and keys. Thanks for linking back to my tutorial :)

Debbie, this is a CUTE wreath, and thanks for the info about the hot glue. I saw and tried this, and I wish now I had seen the thing about the hot glue because I have a ton of fabric on mine, and it is HEAVY! LOL! I also made my strips too big. It's cute though... but I have had to use about four yards so far (good thing it's on sale) and am going back for more. ;-)

What a beautiful porch for winter! It looks great, love what you did with the keys, such a nice touch. I had to take mine down and glue it as well, it was all falling to the bottom. Thank you for the idea of the hot glue, I was going to sew it together and the glue was so much easier. I'll be changing out my ribbon soon from Valentine's Day to something spring like. I love ribbon shopping!Have a great weekend!~Michelle

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